/ 17 January 1999

NTINI UP FOR TEAM

TEST cricketer Makhaya Ntini will remain eligible for selection for the national team, the United Cricket Board of South Africa announced on Sunday. In a brief statement, the board said Ntini (21) remains eligible for consideration. Ntini was released on R5000bail on Friday after appearing in court in East London on a charge of raping a 21-year-old girl. The national selectors will on Monday announce a squad for a series of one-day matches against the West Indies and a preliminary 30-man squad for the 1999 World Cup in England in May and June. Despite the board’s decision, fast bowler Ntini is unlikely to be selected for the West Indies matches because he has been in poor form.